Pesticide regulation
amendments for the state of New Jersey that were proposed in February
2001 are now finalized and published in the November 19th edition of the
"New Jersey Register." The amendments, which were supported
by the public during a public hearing and comment period following the
proposal, attack misuse of pesticides on a variety of fronts. Rules applying
to notification, licensing, training, alternatives, and false advertising
were each examined and altered. "These amendments represent a major
overhaul of our comprehensive pesticide regulations and will enhance public
health protection," said Bob Shinn, commissioner of the State Department
of Environmental Protection.

The final amendments
include the following:

Licensing & Training:
Commercial licensed pesticide applicators will be required to attend and
pass a training program. Unlicensed private applicators that use pesticides
will be required to obtain a license.

Alternatives: Aerial
application of broad-spectrum chemicals for non-agricultural purposes
will no longer be permitted. Instead biological or least-toxic alternatives
will be employed. The exception to this occurs when there is a "significant
outbreak."

Notification: A system
for notification has been set up for when a pesticide is applied outdoors
within 250 feet of school grounds, and was applied with high-pressure
equipment making drift more likely.

Advertising: Pesticides
falsely labeled as organic or environmentally friendly and other misleading
labels are prohibited.

Go to the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection's website for more information.